Blackout
Explorer Blackout 14270 — Blackout
First 14270 dial: the applied 3-6-9 numerals are filled with black lacquer rather than white (markers still lumed), plus smaller chronometer text. Found only in late-E and early-X serials; drilled lugs. Often converted to standard parts at service.
Identifying details
- Blackout numerals
Applied 3-6-9 numerals filled with black lacquer instead of white, as on the earliest Explorer 14270 dials.
- Drilled lugs
Spring-bar holes drilled through the outside of the lugs.
- Explorer dial
Arabic 3, 6 and 9 hour markers.
- White-gold surrounds
Applied white-gold surrounds around the lume plots.
Variants of 14270
Reference overview →| Variant | Production |
|---|---|
| BlackoutCurrent | 1989–1991 |
| Blackout · Blackout, Silver Print | c. 1989–c. 1991 |
| Blackout · Blackout, White Print | c. 1991 |
| Blackout · Blackout, Tiffany & Co. | c. 1989–c. 1991 |
Case & movement
- Reference
- 14270
- Production
- 1989–1991
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Case diameter
- 36 mm
- Crown guards
- None
- Water resistance
- 100 m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
- Movement
- Automatic
More specifications (3)
- Chronometer
Movement
Rolex 3000
High-beat, time-only automatic of the 14270 Explorer, also used in the Air-King and no-date Submariner of its day. A flat hairspring without overcoil and no regulator; the balance is adjusted by Microstella weights, with KIF shock protection.
Read more
- Rolex Explorer 14270 Ultimate Buying GuideRead more at Bob's Watches (opens in a new tab)
- Rolex Explorer Evolution: 14270 to 114270 to 214270Read more at Bob's Watches (opens in a new tab)
- Reference Points: A Comprehensive Collector's Guide To The Rolex Explorer IRead more at HODINKEE (opens in a new tab)
- Everything You Need To Know About The Rolex Explorer Ref. 14270Read more at HODINKEE